24 Hours in Belfast

Enjoy a Titanic city full of surprises and hidden gems. Soak up the lively atmosphere, stroll along fine Victorian streets, enjoy the range of world-class visitor attractions and indulge in a cafe, restaurant and entertainment scene that can rival any city in Europe. See our 24 hours in Belfast guide below or view our full guide at visitbelfast.com.

Highlight: Titanic Belfast

Recently named Europe's best visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition, where you'll uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Book your tickets online. More info >>

Explore by Boat, Bus or Bicycle

You may already know what you want from your trip to Belfast: a tour of the wall murals make their way onto many itineraries, as does a trip up to the Giant's Causeway. Tie it all together with an open-topped bus tour, or untie it just as quickly with a trip around Belfast's historic pubs! See our Top Tour Suggestions and Game of Thrones Tours.

Highlight: Titanic Boat Tours

A guided Titanic Boat Tour tells the ever changing story of Belfast's rich maritime heritage and industry. Retelling the RMS Titanic story, you can view the Titanic Quarter from the water with plenty of opportunity to photograph and appreciate the vastness of this important industrial era. More info >>

Eating Out

Eating out is one of the great pleasures in life. It’s also one of the joys of travel. There’s nothing like a new city, new restaurants and new culinary experiences. For a city the size of Belfast, the choice of places to eat is surprising. We offer everything from fine dining, brasseries and bistros to gastro pubs, cafes and some of the best fish & chips around. Have we whet your appetite? Good. Dig in! See our Restaurant Suggestions and Top Breakfast & Brunch Ideas.

Highlight: OX Belfast

Co-owners Alain Kerloc'h and Stephen Toman use a creative approach to seasonality, alongside their combined wealth of experience, to deliver a top gastronomic experience at the Michelin Star awarded OX. Whether you decide to go for their popular 3-10-3 lunch menu (starter £3, main meal £10 and dessert £3) or the OX seasonal tasting menu, we're sure there is something to suit everyone. More info >>

Beer Gardens

Belfast has a huge selection of watering holes, and the most coveted spots are beer gardens and rooftop bars. From the fabulous National Grande Cafe to the Treehouse hideaway, find the perfect oasis right in the heart of the city. See our Top Beer Gardens in Belfast.

Highlight: Duke of York

A traditional bar filled with memorabilia, the Duke of York's picturesque and narrow cobbled alleyway is a great place to enjoy a few drinks with friends. In the beer garden, surround yourself with a more up-to-date version of Belfast's social scene and see the wall murals of our musical and cultural past. More info >>

Nightlife

Punters are out in their droves most evenings in the city, sampling the best of what Belfast nightlife has to offer. Why not set your feet moving and your heart racing at one of the city's nightclubs or relax in a smart and stylish bar or a traditional pub? See our Top Bars & Pubs, Top Traditional Pubs and Top Ideas for Live Music.

Cocktails

Will you opt for a classic Martini or the mixologist's latest secret concoction?

Highlight: The Treehouse

An inner city roof top restaurant retreat right in the heart of Belfast, The Treehouse has its very own special cocktail recipes and blends. All purées are pulped on site from the freshest ingredients resulting in cocktails and mixes that, on the surface, seem similar in style to the classics but are exceptionally different. More info >>

Live Music

Belfast’s vibrant pub culture thrives on live and traditional music. The birth place of musicians like Ruby Murray, Van Morrison and The Undertones, you can explore Belfast's broad musical tradition. You’ll find live music in venues across Belfast every night of the week, spanning many different styles, sounds and genres. See our Top Ideas for Live Music.

Highlight: The Dirty Onion

Upstairs in The Dirty Onion you'll find Yardbird – a free range rotisserie chicken restaurant. Here the chicken is marinated overnight before being cooked before your eyes on the restaurant’s speciality Brazilian rotisserie. Read more >>

Traditional Pubs

You can find the best traditional pubs in Belfast complete with snugs, traditional music sessions and the perfect pint of Guinness. With original features, a warm atmosphere and friendly welcome there is no better place to meet friends and enjoy the local craic. See our Top Traditional Pubs.

Highlight: Kelly's Cellars

Kelly's Cellars is one of Belfast's oldest traditional Irish pubs. Described as "a hidden gem that oozes old traditional values", it's famous for a pint of Guinness, served with homemade Irish beef stew. Built in 1720, Kelly's Cellars has changed very little in 200 years and still has most of its original features. The whitewashed walls and uneven concrete floor are in keeping with a traditional Irish bar. More info >>

Urban Adventures

If you relish a challenge and have a taste for adventure, or just like fresh air and fantastic scenery, Belfast has all the right ingredients. You choose the place and set the pace! See our Top Urban Adventures and Guide to Outdoor Activities.

Highlight: Colin Glen Forest Park

From a 9 hole golf course and driving range to aqua zorbing and bubbleball football, Sky Trek at Colin Glen Forest Park has activities for everyone. Get aboard a kayak or build your own raft, practice archery and climb through Ireland's premier high and low ropes activity centre! More info >>

Game of Thrones

Belfast is home to Titanic Studios where Game of Thrones is shot, and only a stone’s throw away from other filming locations across Northern Ireland including The King's Road, Winterfell, The Wall and Dragonstone. Take a tour around Northern Ireland and discover the dramatic scenery used in the show. See all Game of Thrones activities and tours >>

Highlight: Clearsky Adventure Centre AKA Winterfell

Based just 40 minutes from Belfast in Castle Ward Demesne on the shores of Strangford Lough, Clearsky Activity Centre has been made famous by the filming of Game of Thrones on its site. An exact replica of the 'Winterfell Archery Range' has been recreated in our courtyard in the very same spot that the filming took place, transporting you into the world of Westeros. More info >>

Shopping

Shopping in Belfast is special. Why? Because we’ve high street stores, family owned businesses, designer boutiques, markets and the incredible Victoria Square and CastleCourt shopping centres - all within minutes of each other. See our Top Shopping Suggestions.

Highlight: Victoria Square

Belfast’s number one shopping destination, anchored by the House of Fraser department store. Fantastic shops are split over four levels (including 2 levels of food operators) with covered, pedestrianised streets and topped by an iconic dome, with panoramic views across the city. More info >>